NAAHA | Go Places | South Africa

Tips for creating a lesson about South Africa.

It's a great idea to place
a large world map, a globe
or an atlas in your child's room so geography lessons will be second nature and easily accessible.

1. Start by showing your child South Africa on the map and make sure she is able to pinpoint the country when asked.

2. Teach your child quick facts about South Africa. The facts your teach can be easy or more difficult based on your child's age and grade level. We have provided a few quick facts here, but many more can be found in encyclopedias, both in print and online.

3. Have your child draw the South African flag and the continent of Africa. Let him outline South Africa on his map.

4. Ask your children what they think it would be like living in South Africa. Show them pictures of the country and ask them to imagine how their life may be different or similar if they lived in South Africa.

5. Discuss some of South Africa's history with your child. Let her know about Nelson Mandela and his fight against apartheid.

6. Have fun! Get immersed in the culture. Read children's stories from South Africa, cook South African recipes, buy South African baskets and wares online or at a local shop, or listen to South
African music.

Our "Go Places" series is an online journey to faraway lands where your child can learn about a new country every month. We provide the resources -- from official country web sites, travel and children's books, quick facts, and lesson suggestions -- and you teach. It's our way of helping homeschooling parents impart a love of geography to African-American children and families.

South Africa Quick Facts

Capitals: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein
( judicial)

President: Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki

Population: 45,026,000

Ethnic Makeup: Black: 75%, White: 14%, mixed 8%, Indian 3%

2004 World Almanac

Official Site of South Africa
www.southafrica.info